Every day, more than 1,500 Russians submit applications to join military service, according to figures released by the Russian Ministry of Defense and reported by RIA News. The statistic underscores the sustained interest within the country to pursue service in the armed forces, whether through contract terms or voluntary enlistment. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
Data from the ministry show that last year alone saw the recruitment of roughly 490,000 contract and volunteer soldiers into the Russian Armed Forces. Beyond simple numbers, this influx contributed to the broader picture of manpower gains and the evolving structure of the armed forces during a period marked by ongoing military operations. In 2022 and 2023, more than 650,000 servicemen accumulated combat experience as part of the special military operation in Ukraine, a statistic that reflects the scale and tempo of activity over those years. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
Additionally, the ministry noted that over 4,000 Russian students voluntarily paused their academic studies to participate in combat missions. This trend highlights a segment of the population engaging directly in national defense efforts, balancing education with duty. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
In the run-up to recent assessments, the ministry reported the creation of 50 formations and military units within the Russian Armed Forces in 2023. This expansion included two combined arms armies, a mixed aviation corps, and four divisions, as well as 18 brigades and 28 regiments, signaling a strategic effort to reorganize and strengthen operational capabilities. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
Concluding December marks the end of the autumn draft cycle for military service, with the ministry noting that about 130,000 individuals were called up. The phase-out period of this draft cycle has implications for scheduling, manpower planning, and readiness across various branches of the armed forces, as authorities aim to balance immediate needs with long-term staffing. [Attribution:Russian Ministry of Defense]
Meanwhile, a legal development associated with conscription has been reported: the former president signed legislation aimed at raising the draft age. This legislative move affects eligibility and the pool of potential conscripts, shaping questions about manpower planning and the availability of trained personnel for national defense in the coming years. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]